Good news for the beleaguered Felipe Massa, with Ferrari announcing it has extended his contract into the 2011 and 2012 seasons, effectively ending speculation that Robert Kubica might switch to the Scuderia after a so-far impressive maiden season with the Renault outfit.

This will provide plenty of vindication for Massa, 29, who has been the subject of much speculation about his future with the Ferrari team.

"I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons," he said.

"We wanted to show proof of stability for the future, believing in the worth of a driver pairing that is without equal in terms of talent, speed and its ability to work together for the good of the team," added team boss Stefano Domenicali.